Practice Question
The nurse is aware that the compensating mechanism that is most likely to occur in the presence of respiratory acidosis is:
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Retention of HCO₃ by the kidneys to increase the PH level
Rationale:
🟠 Respiratory acidosis occurs when CO₂ is retained, leading to increased carbonic acid and a drop in pH.
🟠 To compensate, the kidneys retain bicarbonate (HCO₃), which helps buffer excess hydrogen ions and increase the pH to normal levels.
🟠 This compensatory mechanism takes hours to days to become effective and helps correct the pH imbalance gradually.
🟠 Excretion of HCO₃ would worsen the acidosis, and hypoventilation would contribute further to CO₂ retention, worsening the problem.
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This question is from NUR 133~Acid-base & Electrolytes Exam 2 which contains 74 questions.
More Questions from This Exam
During a change-of-shift report, a nurse sees that a client’s IV bag of 0.9% sodium chloride has 909 mL of fluid left in it. The nurse makes rounds 30 min later and notes that the IV bag is empty. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Answer Choices:
A. Elevate the head of the bed to high Fowler's.
B. Check the client’s respiratory rate and lung sounds
C. Measure the client's temperature.
D. Request NPO status for the client.
Interpret the following. ABG: pH 7.49, pC02 30 mmHg, HC03 23 Meq/L, Pa02 96 mmHg SaO2 98%
Answer Choices:
A. respiratory alkalosis
B. respiratory acidosis
C. metabolic acidosis
D. metabolic alkalosis
Interpret the ABG: pH 7.41. PaCO2 45mmHg. HCO3 26. PaO2 84 mmHg. SaO2 normal ABG
Answer Choices:
A. normal ABG
B. metabolic alkalosis
C. respiratory acidosis
D. respiratory alkalosis
A nurse is collecting data from a client who has hypokalemia as a result of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Answer Choices:
A. Weak, irregular pulse
B. Hyperactive reflexes
C. Extreme thirst
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
A nurse is caring for a client who has just experienced a "second tonic-clonic seizure. The blood gas values are pH 6.88, Pa02 SO PaC02 60 mmHg, and HC03 22mEq/L Which action should the nurse take first?
Answer Choices:
A. Administer 50mL of sodium bicarbonate 'V
B. Apply oxygen by mask or nasal cannula
C. Apply a paper bag over the client's nose and mouth
D. Administer 50mL of 20% glucose and 20 units of regular IV.
Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: Fluids and Electrolytes
- Answer Choices: 4
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